Program

Physician Assistant M.S.

Year Approved

2015

First Advisor

Ekbom, Greg

Abstract

BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations have been identified as increasing an individual’s risk for developing breast cancer. Genetic testing for these genes has become increasingly more common. However, once genetic testing has established that an individual has either a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, there is no set guideline for preventative measures. The purpose of this study is to gain the opinions of oncology healthcare providers on their recommendation for preventative treatment in women who have been diagnosed with the mutation at varying ages. A web-based survey was emailed to oncology healthcare providers from Minnesota Oncology in Minnesota and Allegheny Health Network of Pennsylvania. The data was analyzed through SPSS and utilized to create an ANOVA comparison of providers’ recommendations for preventative services for each of the three hypothetical patient cases. The results display that large variations exist among provider recommendations. Further, a patient can expect to receive more preventative service recommendations and more invasive services as their age increases. Ultimately, this research makes apparent the significant variation among provider recommendations for patients possessing a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Additionally, this research exposes the obvious need for further investigation regarding preventative services in BRCA mutation carriers and questions the use of BRCA mutation testing until those preventative service guidelines for BRCA mutation carriers are adequately determined.

Degree Name

Masters of Science in Physician Assistant

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

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Included in

Primary Care Commons

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